THE PLEASURE CHEST : HOW TO

Welcome ToTHE PLEASURE CHEST
Since 1971, The Pleasure Chest has helped pioneer a sex positive culture, with an emphasis on education, enjoyment and inclusivity. For 40 years, we've been a resource for the best products and the most accurate information to make your life sexier. Along the way, we've appeared on Sex & The City and Entourage and even shown up in the lyrics of a Queen song. With stores in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, we offer every customer a specialized experience in a judgment-free environment, a huge variety of toys and a regular series of free workshops to promote healthy, pleasurable and fulfilling sex for everyone.

Love at First Lube

Lube, or “Personal Lubricant,” is actually one of the sexiest sex toys there is. The extra slickness allows you to have sex longer without irritation, can increase sensation, and will definitely spice up a ho-hum handjob. There are all kinds of lube to love, and each type has its pros and cons, but this guide will hopefully help you find the slippery sidekick(s) of your dreams.

Water-based lubeis one of the most popular types because it feels natural and absorbs well into the body for minimal cleanup. Glycerin-free water-based lubeis recommended for vaginal sex, especially for women who are prone to yeast and urinary tract infections. The classic water-based lubricant Slippery Stuff is one of our favs. If you are trying to conceive,using a water-based, sperm-friendly lube like Pre-Seed may increase your chances. That being said, other types of lube are NOT to be used as birth control methods.

Silicone lubewins hands-down in the test of time, being that it stays ultra-slick and does not absorb quickly into skin. Ultra-concentrated Pjur Bodyglide is the gold standard for quality silicone lubes. The staying power of silicone is great for anal sex because a well-lubed ass means hotter, safer butt sex. Some women are perfectly happy using silicone lube vaginally, while others who are sensitive or prone to bacterial and yeast infections will prefer something that washes away more easily. The fact that silicone does not wash away easily in water also makes it great for water play, such as in the shower or hot tub. Just make sure things don’t get too slippery, as head injuries are not sexy. One word of warning: Do not use silicone lube with silicone toys.

Hybrid

Water-based lubes with a small amount of silicone added for slip and creaminess are called hybrids. We love Liquid Silkbecause it lasts so long and feels really natural, plus the pump bottle is extra convenient. Sliquid Organics Silkis similar, but is natural, organic, paraben-free, and has a less noticeable taste.

Oil-based lubeis not highly recommended for penetrative sex, as it can cause vaginal infection and is not condom compatible. Some people do enjoy using oil anally because of its lasting slickness, but this is only safe to do between partners that have been STI tested or are fluid bonded. Snake Oilis a rare exception to the condom compatibility rule and is safe to use with latex. Masturbation creams for men are commonly oil-based and work wonderfully for a good hand job. Boy Butter is one of our favorite lubes for… churning.

Flavored and warming lubesare most commonly water-based, and can add an element of playfulness and excitement to sex and oral sex. Be aware of those that contain potentially problematic ingredients likesugars, glycerin, or honey. Many flavored lubes contain glycerin and other sugars that may be sweet at first, but the risk of irritation or infection from these ingredients leave a bitter aftertaste. Luckily, Sliquid Swirl is formulated without glycerin, parabens, or sugars. It comes in four great, subtly sweet flavors and is the only flavored lubricant we carry that we recommend for oral and penetrative sex. When you want to feel the sensations of a warming lube, water-based, glycerin and paraben-free Sliquid Sizzle and Sliquid Organics Natural Warming Lubricantare our picks. The warming sensation in warming lubes is typically created by menthol or similar ingredients, and some are stronger than others. Test a small amount slowly to be sure you’re not overly sensitive. There are few things worse on the crotch than a big squirt of burning.

Odorless and Taste-free

Our favorite pure and simple lubes are water-based Sliquid H2O, which is glycerin and paraben free, and Get Maxx, a silicone-based lube made from the highest-quality pure silicone and nothing else.

Anal

There are a few great water-based lubes made specifically for anal sex, as they are extra thick, cushioning gels. Maximusand Sliquid Sassy, for example,are also glycerin-free, so they’re vagina-friendly as well! That being said, silicone lube is a great choice for anal sex because it never dries out and keeps things very slick. Our favorites are Gun Oil,with moisturizing Vitamin E and Aloe, and Pjur Bodyglide, which is super-concentrated, pure silicone for added slip and cushion.

Eco-friendly and Natural

One of our favorite lube lines, Sliquid, has created an all-natural, organic, paraben and glycerin-free line called Sliquid Organics. For a classic water-based lube, try Sliquid Organics Natural. For something a little thicker that works great for anal or vaginal sex, we love Sliquid Organics Gel.

Lube, or “Personal Lubricant,” is actually one of the sexiest sex toys there is. The extra slickness allows you to have sex longer without irritation, can increase sensation, and will definitely spice up a ho-hum handjob. There are all kinds of lube to love, and each type has its pros and cons, but this guide will hopefully help you find the slippery sidekick(s) of your dreams.

Water-based lubeis one of the most popular types because it feels natural and absorbs well into the body for minimal cleanup. Glycerin-free water-based lubeis recommended for vaginal sex, especially for women who are prone to yeast and urinary tract infections. The classic water-based lubricant Slippery Stuff is one of our favs. If you are trying to conceive,using a water-based, sperm-friendly lube like Pre-Seed may increase your chances. That being said, other types of lube are NOT to be used as birth control methods.

Silicone lubewins hands-down in the test of time, being that it stays ultra-slick and does not absorb quickly into skin. Ultra-concentrated Pjur Bodyglide is the gold standard for quality silicone lubes. The staying power of silicone is great for anal sex because a well-lubed ass means hotter, safer butt sex. Some women are perfectly happy using silicone lube vaginally, while others who are sensitive or prone to bacterial and yeast infections will prefer something that washes away more easily. The fact that silicone does not wash away easily in water also makes it great for water play, such as in the shower or hot tub. Just make sure things don’t get too slippery, as head injuries are not sexy. One word of warning: Do not use silicone lube with silicone toys.

Hybrid

Water-based lubes with a small amount of silicone added for slip and creaminess are called hybrids. We love Liquid Silkbecause it lasts so long and feels really natural, plus the pump bottle is extra convenient. Sliquid Organics Silkis similar, but is natural, organic, paraben-free, and has a less noticeable taste.

Oil-based lubeis not highly recommended for penetrative sex, as it can cause vaginal infection and is not condom compatible. Some people do enjoy using oil anally because of its lasting slickness, but this is only safe to do between partners that have been STI tested or are fluid bonded. Snake Oilis a rare exception to the condom compatibility rule and is safe to use with latex. Masturbation creams for men are commonly oil-based and work wonderfully for a good hand job. Boy Butter is one of our favorite lubes for… churning.

Flavored and warming lubesare most commonly water-based, and can add an element of playfulness and excitement to sex and oral sex. Be aware of those that contain potentially problematic ingredients likesugars, glycerin, or honey. Many flavored lubes contain glycerin and other sugars that may be sweet at first, but the risk of irritation or infection from these ingredients leave a bitter aftertaste. Luckily, Sliquid Swirl is formulated without glycerin, parabens, or sugars. It comes in four great, subtly sweet flavors and is the only flavored lubricant we carry that we recommend for oral and penetrative sex. When you want to feel the sensations of a warming lube, water-based, glycerin and paraben-free Sliquid Sizzle and Sliquid Organics Natural Warming Lubricantare our picks. The warming sensation in warming lubes is typically created by menthol or similar ingredients, and some are stronger than others. Test a small amount slowly to be sure you’re not overly sensitive. There are few things worse on the crotch than a big squirt of burning.

Odorless and Taste-free

Our favorite pure and simple lubes are water-based Sliquid H2O, which is glycerin and paraben free, and Get Maxx, a silicone-based lube made from the highest-quality pure silicone and nothing else.

Anal

There are a few great water-based lubes made specifically for anal sex, as they are extra thick, cushioning gels. Maximusand Sliquid Sassy, for example,are also glycerin-free, so they’re vagina-friendly as well! That being said, silicone lube is a great choice for anal sex because it never dries out and keeps things very slick. Our favorites are Gun Oil,with moisturizing Vitamin E and Aloe, and Pjur Bodyglide, which is super-concentrated, pure silicone for added slip and cushion.

Eco-friendly and Natural

One of our favorite lube lines, Sliquid, has created an all-natural, organic, paraben and glycerin-free line called Sliquid Organics. For a classic water-based lube, try Sliquid Organics Natural. For something a little thicker that works great for anal or vaginal sex, we love Sliquid Organics Gel.